[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 29, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E689-E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2020

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 
Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act, which will 
establish a 19-member commission to examine the social disparities 
disproportionately affecting Black males in America. Commission members 
will be directed to review homicide rates, arrest and incarceration 
rates, poverty, violence, fatherhood, mentorship, drug abuse, death 
rates, disparate income and wealth levels, school performance in 
various grade levels, and health issues. The commission also will 
investigate potential civil rights violations affecting Black men and 
boys.
  By authorizing this Commission to conduct this systematic study of 
the conditions affecting Black men and boys, it will better inform us 
on the community impacts of relevant government programs and provide 
recommendations on how we can remedy the underlying causes of these 
disparities.

[[Page E690]]

  This bill is part of a critical effort to force our nation to examine 
how racism and social injustices create heavy mental and emotional 
burdens for Black men and boys. Our society must create an environment 
that will better enable them to achieve their full potential. This 
bipartisan effort rises to meet our moment of national reckoning over 
racial injustice. As a Congress, we must address the social disparities 
which limit and constrain the success of Black males in America.
  As a longstanding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am 
proud to support the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and 
Boys Act, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

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